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Stothert requests chief of staff to carry gun in City Hall

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert requested from the Omaha-Douglas Public Building Commission that Chief of Staff Marty Bilek to carry a gun at City Hall.

In a statement Stothert said, "Marty Bilek is a highly trained career law enforcement officer. Our request for him to carry a weapon inside City Hall is simply another layer of caution."

According to the Security Screening Policy, only active officers can take a weapon inside the building unless an exception was granted.

It is the first time anyone other than an officer has been approved to carry a weapon inside the Civic Center.

"In the grand scheme of things, on the third floor, she believes that this provides an extra level of security to her and the staff," said Paul Cohen, with the Omaha-Douglas Public Building Commission.

In the mayor’s request, she said, “After recent mass casualties involving a deranged gunman, security in the mayor’s office has become of paramount importance.”

Stothert added that when her office security cannot be there, it is likely that Bilek will attend meetings and functions with her.

Bilek served the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for 38 years, including as its chief deputy for 11 years.

Stothert said Bilek will carry a 9mm handgun, which he has owned for 25 years. She said Bilek will purchase his own bullets for the gun.